Score Brownie Points with Healthy Tailgating Options

Sports fan or not, football season is the perfect excuse for a little pre-game soiree with some game-winning munchies. If you’re worried about the calories and fat that comes with typical tailgating foods, no worries—we’re here to fill you in on our favorite ways to lighten up the heaviest foods.

Here are some ways to keep the flavor but add a healthy twist to your tailgating favorites.

Got a craving for sausage on the grill? Try any of the newest lines of chicken and turkey sausage—less fat, fewer calories, but lots of options for flavors and varieties.

Try guacamole instead of nacho cheese. Unlike processed cheese, which is loaded with fat, sodium and artificial ingredients, guacamole is good for you. Part of the green fruit category, one-fifth of a Hass avocado has 50 calories and 20 different vitamins and minerals. Make your own fresh guacamole with ripe avocados, tomatoes, minced onion, cilantro, lime juice and salt and pepper.

Nosh on in-shell pistachios instead of pretzels. They’re a top pick for taste, and they’re packed with protein and fiber to keep you full longer.

Dip your veggies and pita chips in flavored hummus instead of ranch. Made with low-fat, protein-packed chickpeas, hummus is a healthy dip alternative.

Drink light beer over mixed drinks. Beer is the fifth food group for football parties, and there are some super-light options that you can enjoy with no guilt. Some ultra-light beers contain fewer than 70 calories a bottle. Regular beer has 150, and mixed drinks can pack in hundreds of calories per drink. However you choose to toast your team, alternate it with water to stay hydrated.

When it comes to sweets, try healthy desserts like fruit kabobs with a fat-free frozen topping. If you stick with brownies and cookies, replace the butter or margarine with no-sugar-added applesauce. It really works!

And, of course, always check out Coupons.com before you plan your menu to make sure you have the latest coupons for your all your tailgating needs.